Strahovský Klášter
Strahovský Klášter
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Neighborhood: Hradcany & Letna
Your experience in Prague will never be complete if you do not see it from the top. Hillsides, stretched from the west to the north, provide spectacular views of greenish copper cupolas, narrow cobblestone streets, bridges connecting both river banks and green gardens from red-roof tops of centuries-old houses. Prague pulls you into its 1300 year old history. Walking up the hill or stairs to Prague Castle, the historical seat of Czech rulers and the majestic Saint Vitus Cathedral can leave you speechless (and out of breath). Luckily, plenty of terrace cafés overlooking gardens and beautiful parks are available to provide rest and a place to catch your breath again.
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- MatthewASharpTorquay, United Kingdom2,458 contributionsNot worth the ticket priceFirstly the good The actual library is lovely with a fresco ceiling The grounds it's set in is tranquil with a lovely view of Praha The bad The monestray is permanently shut The ticket price is only for the chance to view the library from the door way Nowhere other than on TA reviews does it say that you can't go in. Mind you as my daughter stated. It's actually for the best to continue its preservation The numerous artifacts in their cabinets are without any help to inform you of what they are. Other than the obvious items on show Slightly letdown by the 'attraction'Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 10, 2023
- Della SParadise Valley, Arizona21 contributionsStahov LibraryWe toured the inside of the library with Ivana. You must arrange a tour before arriving in Prague. It is an amazing site. The ceilings with the messages in the painting are exquisite. As you tour the library Ivana and her companion( sorry I did not get her name) point out to you the details. I loved the hidden spiral staircase to get to the upper level of books. Arrange a tour don't just stand at the door. Totally worth it!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 6, 2024
- SamreenAhsanCanadaToronto, Canada786 contributionsHeaven on earthIf there’s heaven on earth, this is it. I had the privilege for taking a private tour which took me inside the library. If you’re a bibliophile than it’s a must see place. It houses second largest bible collection in the world (after Vatican) and has 200,000 books.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
1,860 reviews
Excellent
800
Very good
556
Average
216
Poor
148
Terrible
140
Mrsmcb
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Not worth the entrance fee to walk along a corridor with cabinets filled with not very interesting artefacts.
It wasn't clear when purchasing tickets that you wouldn't be able to access the library, only to view it from outside the room. You also had to pay extra to take photographs.
We only found out that you couldn't access the library after standing in a queue with others waiting to get in. They were all under the same impression as us.
Very rude staff who repeatedly kept shouting at us that we needed a reservation. After speaking to a few staff (all rude) to ask how we could get a ticket to enter and not getting any sense, we finally asked a tour guide who explained you needed to book a guide at least 2 months ahead and that it was quite expensive.
Although the libraries are stunning for the brief glimpse you get off them from the doorway, we wouldn't recommend wasting your money. Very disappointing 👎
It wasn't clear when purchasing tickets that you wouldn't be able to access the library, only to view it from outside the room. You also had to pay extra to take photographs.
We only found out that you couldn't access the library after standing in a queue with others waiting to get in. They were all under the same impression as us.
Very rude staff who repeatedly kept shouting at us that we needed a reservation. After speaking to a few staff (all rude) to ask how we could get a ticket to enter and not getting any sense, we finally asked a tour guide who explained you needed to book a guide at least 2 months ahead and that it was quite expensive.
Although the libraries are stunning for the brief glimpse you get off them from the doorway, we wouldn't recommend wasting your money. Very disappointing 👎
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yevgeniy K
Minsk, Belarus29 contributions
Jan 2020
The gallery: 1000 masterpieces are promised. Not more than 50 are really available for visitors.
The library: a visitor is not able to enter into the halls. It's possible just look through the opened doors.
The cathedral: a visitor can see the interior in a half dark through a grill. There's no opportunity to enter inside and to see it properly.
So, a price of the tickets is higher than what a visitor can see really costs.
In addition the payments are accepted via cash only, that's not comfortable.
The library: a visitor is not able to enter into the halls. It's possible just look through the opened doors.
The cathedral: a visitor can see the interior in a half dark through a grill. There's no opportunity to enter inside and to see it properly.
So, a price of the tickets is higher than what a visitor can see really costs.
In addition the payments are accepted via cash only, that's not comfortable.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnDT
NY37 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
The gallery costs 450 kr for me and my daughter but there were relatively few things to see. The library cost another 450 with the added cost of photography permission however you can’t actually enter the. Library. You must take photos from the roped off entrance. I imagine it’s lovely in the spring with all of the outdoor cafes but In the winter not much to see.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
King
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Paid about £20 for 4 of us to go in, had to wait for nearly an hour outside and the found that you had to pay extra to take pictures. Once you go upstairs you have a gift shop and a corridor filled with cabinets, you can't go into the rooms, instead you have to look at them through a door, took about 10 minutes in total. Visit the castle or the observation tower, complete waste of money and time
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barcaranger
Andorra la Vella, Andorra2,615 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
A complete rip off . It started when we waited for it to open after lunch and there was an orderly which obviously was completed ignored ,when to doors were finally opened, by stampeding Russians . When you finally get to the front possibly the rudest girl in all of Prague suggested as I didn’t have the exact change 150 each plus 50 for the ticket to take photos I should go away and find change and come back later . I asked her if they were expecting visitors maybe they should arrange to have some change . We then asked to her to check whether they had included the photo licence she started. Shouting saying we should look at the ticket and brought the correct change , though obviously there’s was nothing to indicate the actual price outside. We then went upstairs where they checked our ticket . Went in and got a free guide in English from a very pleasant older lady. So this is what you get for your money two small door where you can see into the beautiful library along with hundreds of other people trying to do the same thing you also pass along the corridor which displays a whole bunch a 19 th century miscellaneous crepe which had no relationship to each other . Sea shells , dried fish , cannonballs , books . If you take your time expect to spend 3 minutes if you breeze past you can be out in 90 seconds.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MatthiGroeger
Ulm, Germany20 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Unfortunately, most of the library is now closed to visitors. You get to see a small random collection of fish and clams and you can get a glimpse inside two of the rooms which are marvellous, yet you cannot enter them. This information however is only given on a small print next to the ticket office. The entrance fee has not changed and is pretty steep at 150 CZK per person. Photo permission is an extra 50 CZK. A shame, since I've seen amazing pictures from friends who visited this place back when it was still open. Now it's mostly a waste of time and money. I would even call it a tourist trap. Not recommended.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pebbles
Dubai, United Arab Emirates66 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
The history of the monastery was incredible, both libraries are open for a peek. You have to book a tour of the library weeks ahead which I didn’t know and I was only able to view both libraries from the door. The interior was amazing, I wish I had a closer look of hundreds of years old books. They don’t allow too many people inside the library to protect its books collection, I saw only a couple and a guide allowed inside. The monastery and its grounds and church I was able to enjoy very much and also available are restaurants and a cafe with a gorgeous view of castle and old town.
Written May 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorrie W
Milwaukee, WI160 contributions
Feb 2022
I asked if the church was open and I was told it was open only to the faithful for service. The gallery is beautiful, but pictures are prohibited not because it would hurt the paintings, but the monastery sells a book that has all the images. It is a long walk to enter the monastery and I think they are stingy with what they share with the public. More irritating is their belief the they own these items, they are at the monastery because of a line of Christians before me who sacrificed so that the monastery could hold the treasures. Skip this visit, there are many other churches in Prague that offer a sense of the holy.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CCPage90
Reading, UK133 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
There is no denying the beauty of this library, Prague has many beautiful libraries in fact. The downside of this attraction is the trickery. It’s 150kc to enter then library now, and once inside the library you’ll also find it requires an additional 50kc to take a picture of either room - no doubt the only reason for your visit. I had no problem paying for the photo, as you can see it is marvellous. I only complain about the deception, customers should be notified of the additional cost prior to paying for admission or just charge 200kc for entry.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
1,212 contributions
May 2021
Strahov Monastery boasts one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe, with curiosities and rare artefacts from the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. It is well worth visiting, although you cannot enter the library itself, but can only gaze into the room. The churches of the monastery are also beautiful, although as Baroque churches are common to Prague, they are not that different from many other beautiful churches in Prague. The monastery also brews its own beer and their beer and food can be bought at the nearby restaurant, and this is also worth sampling.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I'm a keen photographer and love libraries, so I need to know how I can take pictures inside the library. I don't mind paying the photo fee, but I really need to know how to go about booking this viewing.
I'll be in Prague on 2, 3 and 4 September.
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Kind regards,
John Ross
Written August 18, 2019
Hello,
The viewing is from the doorway only for the two library rooms. It is limited in what you can see. The permit allows you to use your camera inside the building.
They were not permitting entrance into the rooms themselves as part of their offering.
I think your best course of action would be to contact them directly in advance and indicate your hobby / interest in photography and determine if they offer another level of access beyond what the tourists get.
Note, their use of English was not a strong point when interacting with them for tickets or at the gift shop.
Good luck as it would be nice to examine the rooms in more detail.
Written August 18, 2019
Как попасть на полноценную экскурсию в библиотеку?
Written November 9, 2018
Направить заявку на почту erika@strahovskyklaster.cz, но честно говоря, мне показалось, что оно того не стоит. Интерьер комнат, куда не пускают без экскурсии прекрасно виден и снаружи. Есть аудиогид на русском языке. Впрочем если Вам очень надо, то подайте заявку на вышеуказанную электронную почту.
Written November 10, 2018
Nonostante la biblioteca si possa vedere solo dalla soglia, è fattibile o c'è ressa per cui si paga e non si vede nulla? Grazie ps noi siamo a Praga e vorremmo andare domani!
Written January 4, 2018
Scusami per il ritardo nella risposta! Noi la ressa non l'abbiamo trovata, eravamo da soli!!
Written January 15, 2018
I understand that you can only see inside the library from a private tour. Can you share what company or outfit you booked through? Perhaps you learned about others while you were in Prague that you could share. Thanks
Written January 7, 2017
You can see the library rooms themselves and their splendidly decorated ceilings from the corridors. I'm not sure a private tour would actually add much, apart from getting nearer to the books themselves. You can get a permit to take photos from the corridors. There are some books and manuscripts on display in the first room after you enter the library building.
Written January 7, 2017
How do we find a private tour of the monastery?
Written September 19, 2015
If you would like a private tour of the library you need to email the monastery directly. You can find their email address and contact information on their website too (I cannot post the email here as the system does not allow direct contact information, emails or links to be posted).
When we emailed to arrange a tour in July they gave us these details:
Duration of the tour is cca 60 minutes, photo + videopermission / no flash/ and english printed brochures about the library and monastery in price.
Price for you : 400,- CZK for 1 person + 1200,- CZK for english guide
Reservation for special date and time is necessary.
PAYMENT: cash in the day of the tour.
I hope this helps.
Written September 20, 2015
Hi, do you know can I enter the Philosophical hall and the pretty library? Maybe joining a tour that can see it closer? Thank you for help, as we want to take wedding photos there
Written July 18, 2015
I would like to think that direct contact with the monastery might achieve an invitation to do what you want - albeit for a payment. However, from the careless and uncompromising way they dealt with us on our visit as tourists I am perhaps doubtful of your chance of success. However, fortune favours the brave - go ahead and ask!
Written July 20, 2015
What is the opening times of the whole place? Especially
Written July 17, 2015
you need to check the website for that---and it is possible that you have to buy a ticket ahead of time---for sure if you want to go inside this beautiful room you have to sign up in advance
Written July 19, 2015
How much is a private tour? How long is it? I woul love to see the library. But I have two small children with me that is 4 and 1, so I might me to optimistic.
Written July 13, 2015
Hi,
I believe it was around 400 czk so definitely much higher then regular ticket, but a different experience for sure.
I have no idea if they allow kids on a private tour behind the ropes..
Another library worth visiting is in Klementinum... there is of course the library, but also the Mirror Hall where concerts are given ( Mozart played there).. and a beautiful view from the top of the tower. If you are interested in in astronomy you may want to put Klementinum on your list ...
Hope this helps ... have a great time inPrague...
Written July 13, 2015
how do you arrange a private tour of the library?
Written May 23, 2015
I organised a private tour by emailling the monastry's guest services in advance. There email is on their website - go to strahovskyklaster.cz and follow the links through Library and Contact, look for Erika I believe. You need to request the private tour and that you need an English guide. It costs extra and you need cash. It's definitely worth it, the guide is very knowledgable and you get to see much more of the library.
Written June 1, 2015
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